NI too low for ESA

joyfull

I've been self employed for about 6 yrs and paid class 2 NI during that time. I understand that should my business fold and I became unemployed I would not be eligible for JSA because of my low NI contributions.

Question
Is there a time limit that JSA would not be offered because of this? At some point would JSA be offered after, say a year, or is it never going to be offered.

Thank you.

richard9991

joyfull wrote: »

I've been self employed for about 6 yrs and paid class 2 NI during that time. I understand that should my business fold and I became unemployed I would not be eligible for JSA because of my low NI contributions.

Question
Is there a time limit that JSA would not be offered because of this? At some point would JSA be offered after, say a year, or is it never going to be offered.

Thank you.

unless you have paid class 1 ni contributions you wont ever be able to get jsa contrabution based benefits

Caz3121

however, depending on your household circumstances you may be able to claim income based JSA

joyfull

Thanks for the replies. I didn't realise there were 2 'types' of JSA. I have some savings, so would probably not be eligible for income based JSA? Does anyone know the amount of savings that are taken into account?

salau2

For means tested benefits - JSA(IB), IS & ESA-IR:

Capital over £6000 counts and £1 will be deducted from benefit for every £250 above £6000. If you have capital more than £16000 you are not entitled to above benefits or CTB or HB. However, as soon as capital falls below £16000 you can apply.

For Pension Credit capital over £10000 counts and there is no cutoff.